Shelf Life of Oil / Fuel Filters

Melbo · July 07, 2011, 07:03:47 AM

What is the shelf life of unused new filters --- the element has to dry out and or deteriorate over time.

I always carry a full complement of new filters so as not to get caught short and rotate them to install the older ones first but at some time it has to be safer and better to get a new filter and discard the old --- when is that time???

Melbo

lostagain · July 07, 2011, 07:05:42 AM

I would say forever. Especially if they are shrink wrapped.

JC

belfert · July 07, 2011, 07:19:30 AM

What about the seals especially fuel filters that have separate o-rings? Won't the rubber go bad over time?

I don't think that filters are necessarily shrinkwrapped to be air tight like food is. I do carry a set of fuel filters that are pretty old and I've never thought about if they would be any good if I needed them.

Melbo · July 07, 2011, 07:25:07 AM

I live in the desert and things get hot -- hot air dries out the paper or other stuff -- I'm sure the canister that is metal will last forever in comparison to me (forever is a LONG time) but if the element inside turns to dust (or portions of it anyway) when mixed with fuel / oil it would make a mess and plug things up --- that is the reason for my question.

Thanks

Melbo

Ed Hackenbruch · July 07, 2011, 07:30:07 AM

They should be good for at least a couple of years, especially if they are kept out of the sun. Probably even longer if kept in a cool place. JC, if anything, you would have to worry more about freezing weather ruining the seals, so in your case you would want to keep them warm.

lostagain · July 07, 2011, 07:30:34 AM

If the Orings and the filter proper isn't in plastic wrap alreary, you could put them in a freezer bag or such and feel better about keeping them longer.

JC

dougyes · July 07, 2011, 11:06:29 AM

Did anyone hear that Dr. Leaky found a set of filters for a 671 and a hieroglyphic 4104 manual in an Egyptian pyramid?

babell2 · July 07, 2011, 04:53:24 PM

I know it's probably over kill but. If you own a food saver vacuum bag unit you could bag them and date them and I would guess that they would last for any of our normal life spans. (may be not the buses)

Brice

bigjohnkub · July 08, 2011, 06:35:51 AM

How old were they when you bought them?

Just a thought.

buswarrior · July 08, 2011, 07:34:24 AM

oh, great, another thing to distract us!

as if idling, fuel additives and age of the tires weren't enough already...

happy coaching!
buswarrior

belfert · July 08, 2011, 08:19:45 AM

It won't be a distraction if you only buy filters when you need them. Most dealers sell through them fast enough that they will still be good. If you want a spare set of filters use the spare at change time and replace the spare.

I have my fuel filters changed at C&J Bus Repair so my spares are pretty old. I hope I never need to use them.

chev49 · July 08, 2011, 10:10:23 PM

We sold thousands of them wholesale over the years and even the old dusty stuff is still good. I would be way more concerned about tires, hoses, belts, etc...